Ultrasound diagnostic system and method of controlling ultrasound diagnostic system

ABSTRACT

In an ultrasound diagnostic system, in a case where a routine test in which a plurality of parts of a subject are sequentially subjected to ultrasound diagnosis in accordance with a determined procedure is performed and in a case where information on the subject is input from an input unit, a workstation-side control unit makes a workstation-side display unit perform a second display in which one past image and a current image including an ultrasound image newly created in an ultrasound diagnostic device with respect to a part corresponding to the one past image are displayed side by side on a past image region and a current image region adjacent to each other, in an arrangement order of a plurality of past images in a past routine test of the subject stored in the storage unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/290,539filed on Mar. 1, 2019, which is a Continuation of PCT InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2017/032316 filed on Sep. 7, 2017, which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No.2016-177885 filed on Sep. 12, 2016. The above applications are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference, in their entirety, into the presentapplication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic system and amethod of controlling an ultrasound diagnostic system, and particularly,to an ultrasound diagnostic system in which an ultrasound diagnosticdevice and a workstation are connected to each other and that displaysdiagnostic results in the ultrasound diagnostic device on theworkstation at any time, and a method of controlling the ultrasounddiagnostic system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ultrasound diagnostic devices have been known as devices for obtainingan image inside a subject by applying an array transducer to a subject.General ultrasound diagnostic devices transmit an ultrasound beam towardthe inside of the subject from the array transducer in which a pluralityof elements were arranged, and receive the ultrasound echoes from thesubject in the array transducer to acquire element data. Moreover, theultrasound diagnostic devices electrically process the obtained elementdata to obtain an ultrasound image of a relevant part of the subjectconcerned.

In a test performed using such ultrasound diagnostic devices, operators,such as a doctor and an engineer, often perform the test while checkingan ultrasound image displayed on each ultrasound diagnostic device orthe like. For that reason, for the purpose of efficient testing, variousdevices have been tried in the image display in a display unit of theultrasound diagnostic device (refer to JP2008-188163A, JP2004-290404A,and JP2015-198807A).

JP2008-188163A discloses an ultrasound diagnostic device connected to amedical image diagnostic device and a medical image server via anetwork. The ultrasound diagnostic device has a display unit, a displaycontrol unit that performs display control for the display unit, acontrol unit that controls the display control unit, and a referenceimage list management unit that generates a list indicating savedlocations of medical image data acquired in the past. The ultrasounddiagnostic device generates a reference image list indicating a list ofmedical image data pre-selected by an operator in advance, and selects adesired medical image to display the desired medical image in contrastwith a current ultrasound image in a case where the display unit of theultrasound diagnostic device is made to display medical images.Additionally, in a case where testing and treatment are performed, it ispossible to make the display unit of the ultrasound diagnostic devicedisplay the desired medical image at a desired timing.

JP2004-290404A discloses an ultrasound diagnostic device having adisplay unit, a display control unit that creates image data fromultrasound image signals, a data storage unit, and an interface unit forconnection to a server via an external network. The ultrasounddiagnostic device reads a reference image captured in the past and itsscanning conditions that are stored in an ultrasound diagnostic devicebody or a server, and sets the scanning conditions to capture anultrasound image. Moreover, the ultrasound diagnostic device displaysthe captured ultrasound image and the reference image side by side inthe display unit.

JP2015-198807A discloses an ultrasound diagnostic device that sets onereference image from a plurality of ultrasound images, and makes adisplay unit display a reference image, which is a real-time ultrasoundimage received from an ultrasound probe, and a comparison image, whichis a past ultrasound image, side by side. Additionally, the ultrasounddiagnostic device body can display conditions of the comparison image inaccordance with display conditions of the reference image by a controlunit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Meanwhile, in general ultrasound diagnosis, in order to check the partof the subject to be imaged in the ultrasound diagnosis and adjust imageconditions according to the state of the subject, a screening test inwhich a plurality of diagnosis parts of the subject are simply observedis often performed prior to a routine test in which the plurality ofparts of the subject are sequentially subjected to the ultrasounddiagnosis in accordance with a determined procedure. It is preferablethat such a screening test is performed while checking ultrasound imagesthat correspond to the part of the subject subjected to the ultrasounddiagnosis and are captured in the past, particularly, a list of the pastultrasound images. In the technique disclosed in JP2008-188163A, thelist of the ultrasound images captured in the past is displayed on thedisplay unit of the ultrasound diagnostic device simultaneously with anultrasound image under testing. For that reason, in the display unit ofthe ultrasound diagnostic device, the list of the ultrasound imagescaptured in the past is displayed to be smaller, and a display regionfor the ultrasound image under testing is narrow. Therefore, there is aproblem that it is difficult to perform the screening test whilechecking the list of the ultrasound images captured in the past.

Additionally, in the techniques disclosed in JP2004-290404A andJP2015-198807A, the ultrasound images captured in the past are notdisplayed as a list in the display unit of the ultrasound diagnosticdevice, an external display device, or the like. For that reason, thereis a problem that it is difficult to perform the screening test whilechecking the ultrasound images that correspond to the part subjected tothe ultrasound diagnosis and are captured in the past.

Additionally, in the techniques disclosed in JP2008-188163A,JP2004-290404A, and JP2015-198807A, the ultrasound images captured inthe past and the ultrasound image under diagnosis are comparativelydisplayed only on the display unit of each ultrasound diagnostic device.However, many of the display units built in the ultrasound diagnosticdevices are small, and in a case where both of the past ultrasoundimages and the ultrasound image under diagnosis are displayed on thedisplay unit of the ultrasound diagnostic device, the display region forthe ultrasound image under current diagnosis is displayed to be smaller.For that reason, there is a problem that the operator cannot easilycheck the ultrasound image under current diagnosis.

An object of the invention is to solve the above related-art problemsand provide an ultrasound diagnostic system and a method of controllingthe ultrasound diagnostic system in which an operator can perform ascreening test while checking list display of past diagnostic images ofa subject and the operator can easily check an ultrasound image undercurrent diagnosis during the ultrasound diagnosis.

In order to achieve the above object, the ultrasound diagnostic systemof the embodiment of the invention is an ultrasound diagnostic systemincluding an ultrasound diagnostic device that transmits an ultrasoundbeam toward a subject from an array transducer, and receives anultrasound echo from the subject to create an ultrasound image, and aworkstation connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device. Theultrasound diagnostic system comprises a storage unit that stores aplurality of ultrasound images in past diagnosis of a plurality ofsubjects as past images. The workstation has an input unit for allowingan operator to input various kinds of information, a workstation-sidedisplay unit, and a workstation-side control unit that controls displayin the workstation-side display unit. In a case where a routine test inwhich a plurality of parts of the subject are sequentially subjected toultrasound diagnosis in accordance with a determined procedure isperformed and in a case where information on the subject is input fromthe input unit, the workstation-side control unit makes theworkstation-side display unit perform a first display in which aplurality of past images in a past routine test of the subject stored inthe storage unit are displayed as a thumbnail list and then perform asecond display in which one past image and a current image including anultrasound image newly created in the ultrasound diagnostic device withrespect to a part corresponding to the one past image are displayed sideby side on a past image region and a current image region adjacent toeach other, in an arrangement order of the plurality of past imagesdisplayed as the thumbnail list in the first display.

Moreover, it is preferable that the workstation has a time setting unitthat sets a transition time taken until the first display of theworkstation-side display unit transitions to the second display, and theworkstation-side control unit makes the display in the workstation-sidedisplay unit automatically transition from the first display to thesecond display after elapse of the transition time set in the timesetting unit from a time point when the first display is performed.

Moreover, it is preferable that the time setting unit sets a set timeinput by the operator via the input unit as the transition time.

Alternatively the time setting unit may determine the transition time onthe basis of a plurality of the transition times in a plurality of timesof past ultrasound diagnosis.

Additionally, it is preferable that, in a case where informationindicating that the transition time taken until the first displaytransitions to the second display is changed is input by the operatorvia the input unit, the workstation-side control unit shortens orextends a time taken for transition from a time point during the firstdisplay to the second display in the workstation-side display unit.

Additionally, it is preferable that, in a case where informationindicating that the second display is made to transition to the firstdisplay is input by the operator via the input unit, theworkstation-side control unit makes the second display in theworkstation-side display unit transition to the first display.

Additionally, it is preferable that the workstation-side control unitmakes the workstation-side display unit display a next past image in thearrangement order of the first display on the past image region in thesecond display after the second display of the current imagecorresponding to the one past image is performed and makes the currentimage region blank until a current image corresponding to the next pastimage is created by the ultrasound diagnostic device and displayed onthe current image region from a time point when the next past image isdisplayed on the past image region.

Additionally, it is preferable that the workstation-side control unitmakes the workstation-side display unit display past images displayedbefore and after the one past image in the arrangement order of thefirst display, side by side on both sides of the one past imagedisplayed on the past image region in the second display, so as to besmaller than the one past image.

Moreover, it is preferable that the workstation-side control unit makesthe workstation-side display unit display an ultrasound image createdimmediately before the current image in a current routine test, on oneside of the current image displayed on the current image region in thesecond display in correspondence with the one past image, so as to besmaller than the current image.

Additionally, it is preferable that the workstation-side control unitmakes the workstation-side display unit display the past image in thesecond display on the past image region so as to be larger than thecurrent image displayed on the current image region.

Additionally, it is preferable that the workstation-side control unitmakes the workstation-side display unit display the past image regionand the current image region in the second display adjacent to eachother left and right or up and down and display the past image and thecurrent image side by side.

Additionally, it is preferable that the workstation-side control unitmakes the workstation-side display unit display the plurality of pastimages as the thumbnail list on the past image region and display aplurality of current images created in a current routine test as athumbnail list on the current image region after a last past image inthe arrangement order of the first display and a current imagecorresponding to the last past image are displayed on the past imageregion and the current image region in the second display.

Additionally, it is preferable that the workstation-side control unitmakes the workstation-side display unit display at least one or moreselected images selected on the basis of information indicating thatimages input by the operator via the input unit are selected, as athumbnail list at a rearmost end of the plurality of past images in thearrangement order of the first display, and display the one or moreselected images subsequent to the plurality of past images on the pastimage region in the second display.

Additionally, the method of controlling an ultrasound diagnostic systemis a method of controlling an ultrasound diagnostic system including anultrasound diagnostic device that transmits an ultrasound beam toward asubject from an array transducer, and receives an ultrasound echo fromthe subject to create an ultrasound image, and a workstation connectedto the ultrasound diagnostic device. The method comprises storing aplurality of ultrasound images in past diagnosis of a plurality ofsubjects as past images; and, in a case where a routine test in which aplurality of parts of the subject are sequentially subjected toultrasound diagnosis in accordance with a determined procedure isperformed and in a case where information on the subject is input,making a workstation-side display unit of the workstation perform afirst display in which a plurality of past images in a past routine testof the subject that are stored are displayed as a thumbnail list andthen perform a second display in which one past image and a currentimage including an ultrasound image newly created in the ultrasounddiagnostic device with respect to a part corresponding to the one pastimage are displayed side by side on a past image region and a currentimage region adjacent to each other, in an arrangement order of theplurality of past images displayed as the thumbnail list in the firstdisplay.

According to the invention, the operator of the ultrasound diagnosticdevice can carry out the screening test while checking the list of thepast diagnostic images of the subject displayed on the display unit ofthe workstation, and can efficiently perform the ultrasound diagnosis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configurationof an ultrasound diagnostic system of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of theultrasound diagnostic device of FIG. 1 in Embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of aworkstation of FIG. 1 in Embodiment 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of areceiving circuit of FIG. 2 in Embodiment 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of animage creation unit of FIG. 2 in Embodiment 1.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a firstdisplay screen.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a seconddisplay screen.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a screen towhich various kinds of information are input.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a screenincluding first display of a past image of a subject.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a screen onwhich only the past image is displayed, in second display.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a screen onwhich the past image and a current image of the subject are displayed,in the second display.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a screenincluding the second display in Embodiment 2.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a screenincluding the second display in Embodiment 3.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of another example illustrating thescreen including the second display in Embodiment 3.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a screenincluding the second display in Embodiment 4.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of another example illustrating thescreen including the second display in Embodiment 4.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a screenincluding the second display in Embodiment 5.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram of another example illustrating thescreen including the second display in Embodiment 5.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram of an example illustrating a screenincluding the second display in Embodiment 6.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram of another example illustrating thescreen including the second display in Embodiment 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1

The configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system related toEmbodiment 1 of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 . An ultrasounddiagnostic system 1 has an ultrasound diagnostic device 2 that createsan ultrasound image (hereinafter referred to as an ultrasound diagnosisimage), and a workstation 3 connected to the ultrasound diagnosticdevice 2. The ultrasound diagnostic device 2 and the workstation 3 areconnected to each other so as to communicate in both directions usingconnecting means, such as a cable local area network (LAN), a wirelessLAN, and a universal serial bus (USB).

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 comprisesan array transducer 4, and a transmitting circuit 5 and a receivingcircuit 6 are connected to the array transducer 4. An image creationunit 7, a diagnostic-device-side display control unit 9, and adiagnostic-device-side display unit 10 are sequentially connected to thereceiving circuit 6. Additionally, the image creation unit 7 has atemporary memory 8 connected thereto, and the temporary memory 8 isconnected to the diagnostic-device-side display control unit 9.Moreover, a saved data determination unit 11 and adiagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12 are sequentiallyconnected to the temporary memory 8.

Moreover, a diagnostic-device-side control unit 13 is connected to thetransmitting circuit 5, the receiving circuit 6, the image creation unit7, the diagnostic-device-side display control unit 9, the saved datadetermination unit 11, and the diagnostic-device-side informationtransmission unit 12, and a diagnostic-device-side operating unit 14 anda diagnostic-device-side storage unit 15 are connected to thediagnostic-device-side control unit 13, respectively. In addition, thediagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12 is connected tothe diagnostic-device-side control unit 13 so as to be capable oftransferring information in both directions.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the workstation 3 has aworkstation-side information transmission unit 16 capable oftransmitting information in both directions with respect to thediagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12 of theultrasound diagnostic device 2. A workstation-side display control unit17 and a workstation-side display unit 18 are sequentially connected tothe workstation-side information transmission unit 16. Additionally, atime setting unit 19 is connected to the workstation-side displaycontrol unit 17. Moreover, a workstation-side control unit 20 isconnected to the workstation-side information transmission unit 16, theworkstation-side display control unit 17, and the time setting unit 19,and a workstation-side storage unit 21 and an input unit 22 areconnected to the workstation-side control unit 20, respectively.

The array transducer 4 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 illustratedin FIG. 2 has a plurality of elements (ultrasound transducers) that arearranged in one dimension or two dimensions. These elements transmitultrasound waves in accordance with driving signals supplied from thetransmitting circuit 5, and receive ultrasound echoes from the subjectto output the received signals. The respective elements are configured,for example, using oscillators in which electrodes are formed at bothends of piezoelectric bodies including piezoelectric ceramicsrepresented by lead zirconate titanate (PZT), polymer piezoelectricelements represented by poly vinylidene di fluoride (PVDF), andpiezoelectric single crystals represented by lead magnesium niobate-leadtitanate (PMN-PT).

In a case where a pulse-like or continuous-wave-like voltage is appliedto the electrodes of such oscillators, piezoelectric bodies expand andcontract, pulse-like or continuous-wave ultrasound waves are generatedfrom the respective oscillators, and an ultrasound beam is formed from asynthetic wave of those ultrasound waves. Additionally, the respectiveoscillators receive the propagating ultrasound waves, thereby expandingand contracting to generate electrical signals, and the electricalsignals are output from the respective oscillators to the receivingcircuit 6 as received signals of the ultrasound waves.

The transmitting circuit 5 includes, for example, a plurality of pulsegenerators, and adjusts the amounts of delay of the respective drivingsignals to supply the adjusted amounts of delay to the plurality ofelements such that the ultrasound waves transmitted from the pluralityof elements of the array transducer 4 form the ultrasound beam, on thebasis of on a transmission delay pattern selected in accordance with acontrol signal from the diagnostic-device-side control unit 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the receiving circuit 6 has a configurationin which an amplification unit 23 and an analog/digital (AD) conversionunit 24 are connected in series. The receiving circuit 6 amplifies thereceived signals output from the respective elements of the arraytransducer 4 in the amplification unit 23, and outputs the element dataobtained by being digitized in the AD conversion unit 24 to the imagecreation unit 7.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the image creation unit 7 has a configurationin which a signal processing unit 25, a digital scan converter (DSC) 26,and an image processing unit 27 are sequentially connected in series.

The signal processing unit 25 performs reception focus processing inwhich addition (phasing addition) is performed by delaying respectiveelement data items in accordance with a set sonic speed on the basis ofa reception delay pattern selected in accordance with the control signalfrom the diagnostic-device-side control unit 13. Sound ray signals inwhich the ultrasound echoes are focused are created by this receptionfocus processing. Moreover, the signal processing unit 25 performscorrection of damping, resulting from propagation distances inaccordance with the depths of the reflection positions of the ultrasoundwaves, with respect to the sound ray signals, and performs envelopedetection processing to create brightness-mode (B-mode) image signalsthat are tomographic image information on the tissue within the subject.

The DSC 26 converts the B-mode image signals created in the signalprocessing unit 25 into image signals according to a scanning mode ofnormal television signals (raster conversion).

The image processing unit 27 outputs the B-mode image signals to thediagnostic-device-side display control unit 9 after various kinds ofrequired image processing, such as gradation processing, is performed onthe B-mode image signals input from the DSC 26.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the temporary memory 8 of the ultrasounddiagnostic device 2 temporarily saves moving image data including aplurality of B-mode images continuously created in the image creationunit 7. The moving image data temporarily saved in the temporary memory8 is data until a past given time determined from a current scanningtime point, and is output to the diagnostic-device-side display controlunit 9 or the saved data determination unit 11 as the moving image dataor as still image data cut down from the moving image data.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the diagnostic-device-side display controlunit 9 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 makes thediagnostic-device-side display unit 10 display the moving imageconstituted of the ultrasound diagnosis image, or the ultrasounddiagnosis image, on the basis of the B-mode image signals that arecreated in the image creation unit 7 and input via the temporary memory8.

The diagnostic-device-side display unit 10 includes, for example,display units, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays theultrasound diagnosis image under the control of thediagnostic-device-side display control unit 9.

The saved data determination unit 11 of the ultrasound diagnostic device2 determines the moving image data or still image data (saved data) tobe saved in the workstation-side storage unit 21 via thediagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12 and theworkstation-side information transmission unit 16 among the moving imagedata temporarily saved in the temporary memory 8 or the still image datacut down from the moving image data, and outputs the determined themoving image data or still image data to the diagnostic-device-sideinformation transmission unit 12. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2and 3 , in the saved data determination unit 11, the moving image dataor still image data determined as the saved data is saved in theworkstation-side storage unit 21 via the diagnostic-device-sideinformation transmission unit 12 and the workstation-side informationtransmission unit 16, under the control of the diagnostic-device-sidecontrol unit 13 based on the information input by an operator(hereinafter simply referred to as an operator) of the ultrasounddiagnostic system 1 using the diagnostic-device-side operating unit 14.

The diagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12 of theultrasound diagnostic device 2 transmits the moving image data or stillimage data output from the saved data determination unit 11 and variouskinds of information output from the diagnostic-device-side control unit13 to the workstation-side information transmission unit 16 of theworkstation 3. The various kinds of information output from thediagnostic-device-side control unit 13 include, for example, informationor the like for controlling the workstation 3. Moreover, thediagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12 receives variouskinds of information output from the workstation-side informationtransmission unit 16, and outputs the received information to thediagnostic-device-side control unit 13. The various kinds of informationreceived from the workstation-side information transmission unit 16include, for example, information on the subject, parameters of theultrasound image, such as brightness and contrast set in the past inconformity with the subject. In this way, the diagnostic-device-sideinformation transmission unit 12 not only transmits various kinds ofinformation from the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 to the workstation 3but also is used together with the workstation-side informationtransmission unit 16, thereby allowing bidirectional communicationbetween the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 and the workstation 3.

The diagnostic-device-side control unit 13 controls the respective unitsof the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 on the basis of a command inputvia the diagnostic-device-side operating unit 14 by the operator.

The diagnostic-device-side operating unit 14 is for the operator toperform an input operation, and can be configured to comprise akeyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch panel, and the like.

The diagnostic-device-side storage unit 15 stores a plurality ofultrasound images in the past diagnosis of a plurality of subjects aspast images and stores operating programs of the ultrasound diagnosticdevice 2, and a memory medium, such as a hard disc drive (HDD), a solidstate drive (SSD), a flexible disc (FD), a magneto-optical disc (MOdisc), a magnetic tape (MT), a random access memory (RAM), a compactdisc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a secure digital card (SDcard), or a universal serial bus memory (USB memory), or a server can beused as the diagnostic-device-side storage unit. In addition, althoughthe image creation unit 7, the diagnostic-device-side display controlunit 9, the saved data determination unit 11, the diagnostic-device-sideinformation transmission unit 12, and the diagnostic-device-side controlunit 13 are constituted of a central processing unit (CPU) and operatingprograms for making the CPU perform various kinds of processing, thesemay be configured using a digital circuit. Additionally, the imagecreation unit 7, the diagnostic-device-side display control unit 9, thesaved data determination unit 11, the diagnostic-device-side informationtransmission unit 12, and the diagnostic-device-side control unit 13 canalso be configured so as to be partially or entirely integrated into oneCPU.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the workstation-side information transmissionunit 16 of the workstation 3 outputs the moving image data or stillimage data output from the diagnostic-device-side informationtransmission unit 12 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 to theworkstation-side display control unit 17 and the workstation-sidestorage unit 21. Additionally, the workstation-side informationtransmission unit 16 outputs various kinds of information, which isinput by the operator via the diagnostic-device-side operating unit 14and output from the diagnostic-device-side information transmission unit12, to the workstation-side control unit 20 and the workstation-sidestorage unit 21. Moreover, the workstation-side information transmissionunit 16 transmits various kinds of information, such as the informationon the subject output from the workstation-side control unit 20, to thediagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12 of theultrasound diagnostic device 2. All the above-mentioned output of theworkstation-side information transmission unit 16 is controlled underthe instruction of the workstation-side control unit 20.

The workstation-side display control unit 17 of the workstation 3 makesthe workstation-side display unit 18 display the moving image orultrasound diagnosis image constituted of the ultrasound diagnosisimage, on the basis of the B-mode image signals of the saved datareceived and output from the diagnostic-device-side informationtransmission unit 12 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 by theworkstation-side information transmission unit 16.

The workstation-side display unit 18 includes, for example, displaydevices, such as an LCD, and displays the ultrasound diagnosis imageunder the control of the workstation-side display control unit 17.

The time setting unit 19 of the workstation 3 sets display time aboutthe display in the workstation-side display unit 18 on the basis of theinstruction from the workstation-side control unit 20. The time settingunit 19 can set a value input by the operator via the input unit 22 as aset value of the display time. The operation of the time setting unit 19will be described in detail below.

The workstation-side control unit 20 of the workstation 3 controls therespective units of the workstation 3 on the basis of the informationstored in the workstation-side storage unit 21 and a command input bythe operator via the input unit 22. The workstation-side storage unit 21stores operating programs of the workstation 3, information on aplurality of subjects, medical images, such as a plurality of ultrasoundimages, endoscopic images, and radiological images, in the pastdiagnosis of the plurality of subjects, and the like.

As the workstation-side storage unit 21, for example, memory media, suchas a hard disc, a flexible disc, an MO disc, an MT, a RAM, a CD, a DVD,SD card, and a USB memory, or storage units (not illustrated), such as aserver outside the workstation 3, can be used similarly to thediagnostic-device-side storage unit 15.

The input unit 22 is for the operator to perform an input operation, andcan be configured using a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch panel,and the like. Additionally, the input unit 22 may be configured usingexternal user interfaces, such as a foot switch, which is afoot-operated switch connected from the outside, with respect to theworkstation 3.

In addition, although the workstation-side information transmission unit16, the workstation-side display control unit 17, the time setting unit19, and the workstation-side control unit 20 are constituted of a CPUand operating programs for making the CPU perform various kinds ofprocessing, these may be configured using a digital circuit.Additionally, the workstation-side information transmission unit 16, theworkstation-side display control unit 17, the time setting unit 19, andthe workstation-side control unit 20 can also be configured so as to bepartially or entirely integrated into one CPU.

Here, a display method performed in the workstation-side display unit 18of the workstation 3 of the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 of theembodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6and 7 .

First, a first display screen 28 illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayedprior to a screening test in which a plurality of diagnosis parts of thesubject are simply observed. The first display screen 28 has a thumbnailimage display region 29 for displaying a plurality of thumbnail images,and a past image group 30 constituted of a plurality of past imagesdisplayed as thumbnails, such as past images 30 a that are theultrasound images of the subject diagnosed in the past, is displayed onthe thumbnail image display region 29. In this way, thumbnail listdisplay of the past image group 30 performed in the first display screen28 is referred to as a first display.

In a case where the plurality of diagnosis parts are sequentiallydiagnosed after the screening test, a second display screen 31 asillustrated in FIG. 7 is displayed. The second display screen 31 has apast image region 32 and a current image region 33 that are two regionsadjacent to each other. In the second display screen 31, one past image34, and a current image 35 constituted of an ultrasound image newlycreated in the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 with respect to a partcorresponding to the one past image 34 are displayed side by side on thepast image region 32 and the current image region 33 adjacent to eachother. In this way, displaying the past image region 32 and the currentimage region 33 adjacent to each other, which is performed in the seconddisplay screen 31, is referred to as a second display.

Next, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 will bedescribed, referring to display screens in the workstation-side displayunit 18 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11 .

In a case where a routine test in which the plurality of parts of thesubject are sequentially and ultrasonically diagnosed in accordance witha determined procedure is started, first, the operator inputs theinformation on the subject, which is a target subjected to currentultrasound diagnosis in a display screen in the workstation-side displayunit 18 illustrated in FIG. 8 , via the input unit 22 of the workstation3. As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the display screen of the workstation-sidedisplay unit 18 has an information display input region 36, a listdisplay selection region 37, and a blank region. The operator inputs theinformation on the subject to a plurality of text boxes displayed on theinformation display input region 36. The information on the subjectinput to the plurality of text boxes includes identification data or anidentifier (ID), a name, an age, a sex, and the like of the subject.Here, the ID of the subject is an identifier for managing the pastdiagnosis of each subject. In a case where the operator inputs theinformation on the subject, for example, in a case where the operatorinputs the ID of the subject to a text box of the information displayinput region 36, the information on the subject stored in theworkstation-side storage unit 21 may be read, and information other thanthe ID of the subject may be automatically input to the plurality ofremaining text boxes under the control of the workstation-side controlunit 20 and the workstation-side display control unit 17.

Additionally, the operator inputs the set value of the time set in thetime setting unit 19 of the workstation 3 while the display screenillustrated in FIG. 8 is displayed in the workstation-side display unit18. The set value of the time set in the time setting unit 19 includes atransition time that is taken from a time point when the first displayillustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed to the transition to the seconddisplay illustrated in FIG. 7 , in the workstation-side display unit 18.Additionally, as input means for inputting the set value of the time setin the time setting unit 19, for example, a text box provided in theinformation display input region 36 or the list display selection region37 may be used. Additionally, for example, the set value of the time maybe input in a window that is popup-displayed by selecting selected abutton provided in the information display input region 36 or the listdisplay selection region 37.

In a case where the operator inputs the information on the subject to atext box displayed on the information display input region 36, a list ofpast routine tests of the subject stored in the workstation-side storageunit 21 is displayed in the list display selection region 37. As thelist of the past routine tests, for example, typical images acquired inthe respective routine tests are displayed as a thumbnail list, andtexts indicating titles input in advance with respect to respectivediagnosis items are displayed as a list. The operator selects anddetermines one routine test using determination means, such as adetermination button displayed on the list display selection region 37or the input unit 22 of the workstation 3, among the plurality of pastroutine tests of the subject displayed on the list as described above.For example, the ultrasound diagnosis executed in the latest past isselected and determined from the plurality of past diagnosis items.

In a case where one of the past routine tests displayed as the list onthe list display selection region 37 is selected and determined by theoperator, as illustrated in FIG. 9 , the first display of the pluralityof past images of the routine test selected and selected by the operatoris performed in the blank region of FIG. 8 . The past image group 30 inthe past routine tests is stored in the workstation-side storage unit21, and the first display is performed in the workstation-side displayunit 18 under the control of the workstation-side display control unit17.

Additionally, in a case where the routine test executed in the past bythe operator is selected and determined, the workstation-side controlunit 20 of the workstation 3 controls the workstation-side informationtransmission unit 16 so as to transmit the information on the subjectstored in the workstation-side storage unit 21, and various conditionsin a case where the ultrasound diagnosis is performed using theultrasound diagnostic device 2. Imaging conditions of the ultrasoundimage in the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 and image creationconditions in a case where the element data is converted into theultrasound image, and the like are included in the various conditions ina case where the ultrasound diagnosis is performed using the ultrasounddiagnostic device 2. The diagnostic-device-side control unit 13 controlsthe ultrasound diagnostic device 2 on the basis of information and testconditions of the subject that are transmitted from the workstation-sideinformation transmission unit 16 and received in thediagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12 of theultrasound diagnostic device 2. In this way, in a case where theultrasound diagnostic device 2 and the workstation 3 are connected toeach other so that information can be transmitted in both directions,the information on the subject input in the workstation-side displayunit 18 and the various conditions in a case where the ultrasounddiagnosis is performed using the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 areautomatically set at the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 together withthe first display of the plurality of past images in theworkstation-side display unit 18, that is, the past image group 30. Inaddition, for example, in a case where the ultrasound diagnostic device2 and the workstation 3 are not connected to each other so thatinformation can be transmitted in both directions, such as in a casewhere only transmission of information from the ultrasound diagnosticdevice 2 to a workstation 3 is possible, setting on the ultrasounddiagnostic device 2 can be performed using input means, such as a manualinput.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , while the first display of the past imagegroup 30 is performed in the workstation-side display unit 18, theoperator can perform the screening test in which a diagnosis part in thecurrent routine test is checked using the ultrasound diagnostic device2, referring to the first display. That is, in this case, a live movingimage corresponding to the element data currently received from thearray transducer 4 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 can bedisplayed on the diagnostic-device-side display unit 10, and theoperator can compare this live moving image with the first display.Additionally, in the screening test, since the ultrasound image is notsaved, ultrasound image data created in the image creation unit 7 of theultrasound diagnostic device 2 is output to the diagnostic-device-sidedisplay control unit 9 without using the temporary memory 8. In thisway, in the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 of the embodiment of theinvention, the operator can perform the screening test, while comparingthe past image group 30 in the past routine tests displayed on theworkstation-side display unit 18 with the live moving image that is thecurrent ultrasound image displayed the diagnostic-device-side displayunit 10.

The first display of the past image group 30 illustrated in FIG. 9automatically transitions to the second display after the elapse of thetime set in the time setting unit 19. FIG. 10 illustrates a seconddisplay screen 38 that transitions to the next of the first displayscreen 28 illustrated in FIG. 9 , in the workstation-side display unit18. While the second display screen 38 illustrated in FIG. 10 isdisplayed on the workstation-side display unit 18, the workstation-sideinformation transmission unit 16 does not receive B-mode image datacorresponding to the past image 34. In that case, the current imageregion 33 of the second display screen 38 becomes blank, as illustratedin FIG. 10 . In addition, an image displayed as the past image 34 is oneamong the plurality of past images that constitute the past image group30 in the first display. Additionally, as will be described below, thepast image 34 is sequentially displayed on the past image region 32 inarrangement order of the past image group 30 in the first display, thatis, in time-series order of the ultrasound images created the pastroutine tests. Hereinafter, in the example in FIG. 8 , the past imagegroup 30 will be described supposing that the alignment order from theleft to the right and from the upper stage to the lower stage in thefigure is the arrangement order of the past image group 30.

In addition, the transition time until the first display of the pastimage group 30 illustrated in FIG. 9 automatically transitions to thesecond display illustrated in FIG. 10 is set by the time setting unit 19of the workstation 3 on the basis of a set time input by the operatorvia the input unit 22 of the workstation 3. Additionally, thistransition time may be set by the time setting unit 19 on the basis of apredetermined set value stored in the workstation-side storage unit 21.In addition, the set time input by the operator via the input unit 22may be stored in the workstation-side storage unit 21 in associationwith information, such as the ID of the subject, and the set transitiontime may be used for each diagnosis.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , while the second display screen 38 isdisplayed in the workstation-side display unit 18, the operator performsultrasound diagnosis of the part of the subject corresponding to the onepast image 34 displayed on the past image region 32 using the ultrasounddiagnostic device 2. In this case, the operator searches for a partwhere an ultrasound image is created, while comparing the live movingimage displayed on the diagnostic-device-side display unit 10 with thepast image 34. In a case where the ultrasound image is created using theultrasound diagnostic device 2, the operator stops (freezes) the livemoving image displayed on the diagnostic-device-side display unit 10, ina scanning location corresponding to the past image 34, and makes thesaved data determination unit 11 determine an ultrasound image to besaved, via the diagnostic-device-side operating unit 14 and thediagnostic-device-side control unit 13 of the ultrasound diagnosticdevice 2. In this case, a moving image that is saved in the temporarymemory 8 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 and that is constitutedof ultrasound images from a time point where the live moving image isstopped to a predetermined past time, can be displayed on thediagnostic-device-side display unit 10. For example, a keyboard, atrackball, a foot switch, and the like that constitute thediagnostic-device-side operating unit 14 may be used as means forselecting and determining one of the plurality of ultrasound images thatconstitute the moving image. That is, for example, although selectionand determination means, such as operating the trackball to select adesired time of the moving image and determining an ultrasound image ofthe selected time using a key of the keyboard, can be used, it isneedless to say that the invention is not limited to the above as longas any means using the diagnostic-device-side operating unit 14 isadopted. In a case where one ultrasound image is determined as the saveddata, a B-mode image corresponding to this one ultrasound image istransmitted to the workstation-side information transmission unit 16 viathe diagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12. Inaddition, in a case where the one ultrasound image is determined as thesaved data, the moving image data referred to by freezing the display ofthe diagnostic-device-side display unit 10 may be transmitted to theworkstation-side information transmission unit 16 via thediagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12 and may bestored in the workstation-side storage unit 21.

In a case where B-mode image data corresponding to the one ultrasoundimage is received by the workstation-side information transmission unit16, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , the B-mode image data is displayed onthe current image region 33 in the workstation-side display unit 18 asthe current image 35 corresponding to the past image 34 via theworkstation-side display control unit 17. The current image 35 isconstituted of the ultrasound image newly created in the ultrasounddiagnostic device 2 to the part corresponding to the past image 34. Inthis way, the second display screen 31 in which the past image 34 andthe current image 35 are respectively displayed side by side on the pastimage region 32 and the current image region 33 is displayed in theworkstation-side display unit 18.

In a case where information indicating that the freezing of the displayof the diagnostic-device-side display unit 10 is cancelled is output tothe diagnostic-device-side display control unit 9 via thediagnostic-device-side operating unit 14 and the diagnostic-device-sidecontrol unit 13 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 after the seconddisplay of the past image 34 and the current image 35 correspondingthereto is performed, the display of the diagnostic-device-side displayunit 10 transitions to the live moving image. The information indicatingthat the freezing of the display of this diagnostic-device-side displayunit 10 is cancelled is output to the workstation-side informationtransmission unit 16 via the diagnostic-device-side control unit 13 andthe diagnostic-device-side information transmission unit 12 and furtheroutput to the workstation-side control unit 20. In this case, theworkstation-side control unit 20 controls the workstation-side displaycontrol unit 17 such that the display in the workstation-side displayunit 18 is made to transition from the second display in which the pastimage 34 and the current image 35 are displayed to the second display inwhich the next past image is displayed. Here, the next past image meansa past image located one position after the past image 34 in thearrangement order of the first display of the past image group 30. Inthis way, the past images are sequentially displayed in the arrangementorder of the first display of the past image group 30 on the past imageregion 32 in the second display. Additionally, a blank and the currentimage 35 corresponding to each past image 34 are alternately andsequentially displayed on the current image region 33 in the seconddisplay. The transition from the second display in the workstation-sidedisplay unit 18 to the second display corresponding to the next pastimage is repeatedly performed until all the routine tests correspondingto the past image group 30 in the first display are completed.

As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 ofthe embodiment of the invention, the first display of the past imagegroup 30 in the workstation-side display unit 18 can be made toautomatically transition to the second display after the elapse of theset transition time. For that reason, the operator can perform thescreening test, referring to the past image group 30 and the currentultrasound image, using the workstation-side display unit 18 and thediagnostic-device-side display unit 10 that are different display units.Additionally, in a case where the operator ends the screening test, theoperator does not need to perform the operation of the ultrasounddiagnostic device 2 and the workstation 3 and can omit the operation formaking the first display screen 28 displayed on the workstation-sidedisplay unit 18 transition to the second display screen 31 and easilytransition to a routine test. Moreover, the operator can easily comparethe past image 34 with the current image 35, using the workstation-sidedisplay unit 18 different from the diagnostic-device-side display unit10. Additionally, the operator can perform the ultrasound diagnosiswhile checking that the current image 35 corresponding to the past image34 has been saved in the workstation-side storage unit 21. Therefore, inthe routine test, it is easy to check that the acquisition of theultrasound image has failed.

Meanwhile, in Embodiment 1, the first display of the workstation-sidedisplay unit 18 automatically transitions to the second display afterthe elapse of the transition time set by the operator via the input unit22 of the workstation 3. However, a configuration in which thetransition time can be changed during the first display may be adopted.For example, in a case where the information indicating that thetransition time is changed by the operator via the input unit 22 of theworkstation 3 is input during the first display, the time taken totransition from a time point during the first display in theworkstation-side display unit 18 to the second display is shortened orextended. In addition, the information indicating that the transitiontime is changed may be allocated to respective specific user interfaces,such as a key of the keyboard, the trackball, and the foot switch thatconstitute the input unit 22. In this case, for example, a specific keyof the keyboard may be allocated for the shortening of the transitiontime, the foot switch may be allocated to the extension of thetransition time, and the like.

Additionally, although a case where the information indicating that thetransition time is set and changed is input by the operator via theinput unit of the workstation 3 has been described above, theinformation indicating that the transition time is set and changed maybe input via the diagnostic-device-side operating unit 14 of theultrasound diagnostic device 2.

Additionally, in a case where the information indicating that thetransition time is set and changed is input by the operator via thediagnostic-device-side operating unit 14, a transition time input screenfor setting and changing the transition time can be displayed in thediagnostic-device-side display unit 10, though not illustrated. Thistransition time input screen may be displayed on thediagnostic-device-side display unit 10, for example, by operating theuser interfaces, such as the keyboard that constitutes thediagnostic-device-side operating unit 14.

In that case, the information, indicating that the transition time isset and changed, which is input by the operator via thediagnostic-device-side operating unit 14, may be transmitted to theworkstation-side information transmission unit 16 via thediagnostic-device-side control unit 13 and the diagnostic-device-sideinformation transmission unit 12 and further input to the time settingunit 19 via the workstation-side control unit 20.

Additionally, although not illustrated, the ultrasound diagnostic device2 may comprise the time setting unit. In that case, the information,indicating that the transition time is set and changed, which is inputby the operator via the diagnostic-device-side operating unit 14 isinput to the time setting unit of the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 viathe diagnostic-device-side control unit 13. Moreover, the information onthe transition time input to the time setting unit of the ultrasounddiagnostic device 2 may be transmitted to the workstation-sideinformation transmission unit 16 via the diagnostic-device-sideinformation transmission unit 12 and further input to theworkstation-side display control unit 17.

In addition, even in a case where the information indicating that thetransition time is set and changed is input by the operator via thediagnostic-device-side operating unit 14, the information indicatingthat the transition time is set and changed may be allocated torespective specific user interfaces, such as a key of the keyboard, thetrackball, and the foot switch that constitute thediagnostic-device-side operating unit 14.

Additionally, this transition time may be set by the time setting uniton the basis of the set value stored in the workstation-side storageunit 21. Moreover, the transition time can also be automatically setusing a learning function, in the time setting unit 19. In this case,the transition time is automatically set on the basis of, for example,the transition time set on the basis of the set time input by theoperator via the input unit 22 or the set time stored in theworkstation-side storage unit 21, and the transition time that hasactually elapsed as a result by that the time for transition from thetime point during the first display to the second display is shortenedor extended. That is, the time setting unit 19 may set an arithmeticalaverage value, etc. of a plurality of actual transition times in pastmultiple ultrasound diagnoses as the transition time, or may usestatistical methods, such as interval estimation, in calculation of thetransition time. In addition, the learned transition time may be storedin the workstation-side storage unit 21 in association with theinformation, such as the ID of the subject, and the set transition timemay be used for each diagnosis.

Additionally, in the workstation-side display unit 18, thediagnostic-device-side control unit 13 can make the second displaytransition to the first display again after the transition time set fromthe time point when the first display of the past image group 30 isperformed elapses and the first display transitions to the seconddisplay. In this case, in the workstation-side display unit 18, thefirst display automatically transitions to the second display againafter the elapse of the transition time set from the time point when thesecond display has transitioned to the first display. Of course, even inthis case, the time taken to transition from the time point during thefirst display to the second display can be shortened or extended on thebasis of the information input by the operator via the input unit 22 ofthe workstation 3.

According to the above-described configuration, the set transition timecan be easily shortened or extended, and the first display of the pastimage group 30 can be displayed on the workstation-side display unit 18at an operator's desired timing. For that reason, according tooperator's skills, methods of the screening test, and the like, thetransition between the first display and the second display in theworkstation-side display unit 18 can be freely performed.

Additionally, a trigger for transitioning from the second display inwhich the past image 34 and the current image 35 are displayed to thesecond display in which the next past image is displayed is not limitedto the cancellation of the freezing of the display of thediagnostic-device-side display unit 10. For example, after the freezingstate of the display of the diagnostic-device-side display unit 10 iscancelled, the current image 35 being displayed on the current imageregion 33 of the second display screen 31 may be used as a trigger fortransitioning to the second display in which the next past image isdisplayed. Additionally, for example, after the freezing state of thedisplay of the diagnostic-device-side display unit 10 is cancelled, thetime set for the time setting unit 19 having elapsed may be used as atrigger for transitioning to the second display in which the next pastimage is displayed. The time for transitioning from the second displayto the next second display may be set for the time setting unit 19, forexample, by being input in a display screen of the workstation-sidedisplay unit 18 illustrated in FIG. 8 .

Additionally, in the transition between the second display of the pastimage 34 and the current image 35 and the second display in which thenext past image is displayed, the workstation-side display control unit17 may be made to control the workstation-side display unit 18 such thatonly a past image specified by the operator via the input unit 22 of theworkstation 3 is displayed as the past image 34 displayed on the pastimage region 32. In this way, for example, in a case where a past imageof an overlapping part is included in the past image group 30, a currentimage of the same part of the subject can be prevented from beingduplicately created. Additionally, under an instruction from theoperator via the diagnostic-device-side operating unit 14, in theworkstation-side display unit 18, the second display in which only thepast image 34 displayed in the last second display is displayed may beperformed again after the second display is made to transition to thesecond display in which the next past image is displayed. By performingsuch transition of the display screens, for example, the operator canperform imaging of the ultrasound image of the same part, which isimaged immediately before, again in a case where the ultrasound imagecreated in the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 is unsuitable fordiagnosis.

Moreover, in the workstation-side display unit 18, the second displaymay be temporarily made to transition to the first display of the pastimage group 30. In this case, for example, during the second display inthe workstation-side display unit 18, the operator may push a specifickey of the keyboard or the like that constitutes thediagnostic-device-side operating unit 14 of the ultrasound diagnosticdevice 2 or the input unit 22 of the workstation 3, and may control theworkstation-side display control unit 17 such that the second displayperformed in the workstation-side display unit 18 is made to transitionto the first display. According to the above configuration, the operatorcan easily check a procedure or the like of the entire routine testduring the routine test in which a current image corresponding to eachpast image is sequentially acquired.

Additionally, an ultrasound image can be captured even after the currentimages corresponding to the past image group 30 in which the firstdisplay as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9 is performed are altogethercaptured using the ultrasound diagnostic device 2. In that case, in thesecond display as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 10, and 11 , the past imagescorresponding to the ultrasound images newly captured at the presenttime are insufficient. For that reason, although not illustrated, forexample, a plurality of newly captured current images may besequentially displayed on the current image region 33 with a past imageat the rearmost end in the arrangement order of the past image group 30in the first display being displayed on the past image region 32.Additionally, the past image region 32 may be made to be blank, and theplurality of newly captured current images may be sequentially displayedon the current image region 33. Additionally, in a case where a currentimage newly created in the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 is stored inthe workstation-side storage unit 21 and in a case where a moving imageincluding the current image as a still image is stored in theworkstation-side storage unit 21, a plurality of the moving imagescorresponding to a plurality of the current images in the past imageregion 32 may be sequentially reproduced in a loop in time series.

Embodiment 2

In the second display of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 11 , the onepast image 34 and the current image 35 corresponding to the past image34 are displayed side by side on the past image region 32 and thecurrent image region 33 adjacent to each other. The arrangement of thepast image region 32 and the current image region 33 is not particularlylimited as long as these regions are located adjacent to each other.That is, as in Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 11 , the past imageregion 32 and the current image region 33 of the second display screen31 may be adjacent to each other left and right, and as in Embodiment 2illustrated in FIG. 12 , a past image region 40 and a current imageregion 41 of a second display screen 39 may be adjacent to each other upand down.

In addition, the configuration of the present Embodiment 2 is the sameas that of the configuration of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to11 except for the second display screen 39, the past image region 40,and the current image region 41 that are illustrated in FIG. 12 . InFIG. 12 , the same constituent elements as those of FIG. 11 will bedesignated by the same reference signs, and the detailed description ofthe constituent elements will be omitted.

Embodiment 3

Additionally, in the second display of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG.11 , the past image region 32, the current image region 33, the pastimage 34, and the current image 35 may be displayed in an enlargedmanner or displayed in a reduced manner, respectively. Hereinafter,Embodiment 3 illustrated in FIG. 13 is the same as the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 except for a second display screen 42, apast image region 43, a current image region 44, a past image 45, and acurrent image 46, and a modification example of Embodiment 3 illustratedin FIG. 14 is the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11except for a second display screen 47, a past image 48, and a currentimage 49. For that reason, in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the same constituentelements as FIG. 11 will be designated by the same reference signs, andthe detailed description of the constituent elements will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 , the second display screen 42 displayed inthe workstation-side display unit (not illustrated) has the past imageregion 43 of which the region area is enlarged, and the current imageregion 44 of which the region is reduced together with the enlargementof the past image region 43. Additionally, the past image 45 isdisplayed in an enlarged manner in the past image region 43, and thecurrent image 46 is displayed in a reduced manner in the current imageregion 44. For that reason, for example, although not illustrated, evenin a case where the operator performs the ultrasound diagnosis in alocation slightly apart from a workstation disposed in the same clinicas the ultrasound diagnostic device, the ultrasound diagnosis can beperformed while checking the past image 45 in detail.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 13 , the past image region 43 andthe current image region 44 may not be enlarged or reduced, and only thepast image and the current image may be enlarged or reduced. The seconddisplay screen 47 illustrated in FIG. 14 has the past image region 32and the current image region 33 that have the same size as each other.The past image 48 and the current image 49 that are displayed in anenlarged manner are displayed side by side on the past image region 32and the current image region 33. As a method of enlarging the past image48 and the current image 49, although not illustrated, for example, theworkstation-side display control unit may be controlled such that thepast and current images 48 and 49 are enlarged by scaling factor setvalues from the centers of the past image 48 and the current image 49 onthe basis of the scaling factor set values input by the operator via theinput unit of the workstation and are displayed on the past image region32 and the current image region 33. In this case, for example, theoperator inputs the set values in the information display input region36 or the list display selection region 37. In addition, the set valuesmay be input prior to the routine test or may be input in a case wherethe workstation-side display unit performs the second display.Additionally, in a case where enlarged images exceed crosses therespective image regions with the enlargement of the past image 48 andthe current image 49, only center portions in the enlarged images may bedisplayed, respectively.

Embodiment 4

In the second display screens 31, 38, 39, 42, and 47 of Embodiments 1 to3 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 11 to 14 , one past image 34, 45, or 48 andone current image 35, 46, or 49 are respectively displayed side by sideon the past image region 32, 40, or 43 and the current image region 33,41, and 44. However, a plurality of past images and a plurality ofcurrent images may be displayed side by side on a past image region anda current image region, respectively. A second display screen 50illustrated in an example of FIG. 15 has the past image region 32 andthe current image region 33 that are displayed adjacent to each otherleft and right. Additionally, two past images 51 and 52 in addition tothe past image 34 are further displayed side by side above and below thepast image 34 on the past image region 32, and, one current image 53 inaddition to the current image 35 is further displayed above the currentimage 35 on the current image region 33. Although the past image 51displayed above the past image 34 is not illustrated, the past image 51is a past image located one position before the past image 34corresponding to the current image 35 newly created in the ultrasounddiagnostic device in the arrangement order of the past image group inwhich the first display is performed. Additionally, the past image 52displayed below the past image 34 is a past image located one positionafter a past image, in the arrangement order of the past image group inwhich the first display is performed. Additionally, the current image 53displayed above the current image 35 is a current image created incorrespondence with the past image 51 displayed above the past image 34in the current routine test.

In addition, Embodiment 4 illustrated in FIG. 15 has the sameconfiguration as Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 except forthe second display screen 50, the past images 51 and 52, and the currentimage 53. For that reason, in the following, in FIG. 15 , the sameconstituent elements as FIG. 11 will be designated by the same referencesigns, and the detailed description of the constituent elements will beomitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 15 , after the current image 35 corresponding tothe past image 34 is displayed on the current image region 33 in thesecond display screen 50, for example, the second current display can bemade to transition to the next second display by canceling freeze ofdisplay of a frozen diagnostic-device-side display unit in order todetermine an ultrasound image to be saved, though not illustrated. Inthat case, in the past image region 32, the past image 51 is notdisplayed, the past images 34 and 52 move upward one by one anddisplayed, and the next past image of the past image 52 in the pastimage group subjected to the first display time is displayed below onthe past image 52. That is, the past image 34 is displayed on thedisplay position of the past image 51 of FIG. 15 , and the past image 52is displayed on the display position of the past image 34 of FIG. 15 .Additionally, in the current image region 33, the current image 35 isdisplayed on the display position of the current image 53 of FIG. 15 , aportion below the current image 35 is brought into a blank state, andthen, a current image corresponding to the past image 52 is displayed assoon as an ultrasound image that is newly created is saved isdetermined.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 15 , since the current imagecorresponding to the past image 52 displayed below the past image 34 isnot created at the present time, the current image is not displayed onthe current image region 33. Additionally, in order to emphasize thepast image 34 corresponding to a part under diagnosis at the presenttime and the current image 35 corresponding to the past image 34, thepast images 51 and 52 displayed above and below of the past image 34 andthe current image 53 displayed above on the current image 35 may bedisplayed to be smaller than the past image 34 and the current image 35.

Additionally, a modification example of the present embodiment isillustrated in FIG. 16 . An aspect illustrated in FIG. 16 is differentfrom an aspect in FIG. 15 in terms of only a second display screen 54.In the example illustrated in FIG. 16 , the second display screen 54 hasthe past image region 40 and the current image region 41 that aredisplayed adjacent to each other up and down and. Although notillustrated, four past images 55, 56, 57, and 58 in addition to the pastimage 34 are displayed side by side on the left and right of the pastimage 34 in the arrangement order of the past image group in the firstdisplay on the past image region 40. Here, the past image 34 is anultrasound image corresponding to the ultrasound image newly created atthe present time, and the past image 55 displayed adjacent to the leftside of the past image 34 is a past image located one position beforethe past image 34 in the arrangement order of the past image group inwhich the first display is performed. Additionally, the past image 56 ofthe past image 55 displayed further adjacent to the left side is a pastimage located two positions before the past image 34 in the arrangementorder of the past image group in which the first display is performed.Additionally, the past image 57 displayed adjacent to the right side ofthe past image 34 is a past image located one location after the pastimage 34 in the arrangement order of the past images in which the firstdisplay is performed. Additionally, the past image 58 of the past image57 displayed further adjacent to the right side is a past image locatedtwo positions after the past image 34 in the arrangement order of thepast image group in which the first display is performed. Additionally,the current image 59 displayed adjacent to the left side of the currentimage 35 is a current image created in correspondence with the pastimage 55 in the current routine test, and the current image 60 of thecurrent image 59 displayed further adjacent to the left side is acurrent image created in correspondence with the past image 56.Additionally, in order to emphasize the past image 34 corresponding to apart under diagnosis at the present time and the current image 35corresponding to the past image 34, the past images 55, 56, 57, and 58and the current images 59 and 60 may be displayed to be smaller than thepast image 34 and the current image 35. Moreover, in order to emphasizethe arrangement order of the past image group in the first display, thepast image 56 adjacent to the left side of the past image 55 may bedisplayed to be smaller than the past image 55, and the past image 58further adjacent to the right side than the past image 57 may bedisplayed to be smaller than the past image 57, and the current image 60further adjacent to the left side the current image 59 may be displayedto be smaller than the current image 59.

In the above configuration, one or more past images displayed before andafter one past image in the arrangement order of the first display arearranged on both sides of the one past image 34 displayed on the pastimage regions 32 and 39 in the second display and are displayed to besmaller than the one past image 34. Additionally, one or more ultrasoundimages including the ultrasound image created immediately before thecurrent image 35 in the current routine test are displayed to be smallerthan the current image 35 on one side of the current image 35 displayedon the current image regions 33 and 40 in the second display incorrespondence with the one past image 34. By performing the seconddisplay in this way, the operator can perform the ultrasound diagnosiswhile checking diagnosis parts before and after the current ultrasounddiagnosis. Additionally the operator can check an ultrasound image newlycreated during the ultrasound diagnosis and an ultrasound image createdbefore the newly created ultrasound image.

Embodiment 5

In the second display of Embodiments 1 to 4 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and10 to 16 , although one past image 34, 45, or 48 and the current image35, 46, or 49 corresponding to the one past image are displayed side byside on the past image region 32, 40, or 43 and the current image region33, 41, or 44, thumbnail list display of a plurality of past images anda plurality of current images may be performed on the past image region32, 40, or 43 and the current image region 33, 41, or 44.

In addition, Embodiment 5 illustrated in FIG. 17 has the sameconfiguration as Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 except thatthe past image group 62 displayed as thumbnails on the past image region32 of a second display screen 61. Additionally, a modification exampleof Embodiment 5 illustrated in FIG. 18 has the same configuration asEmbodiment 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 except that a past image group62 and a current image group 65 displayed as thumbnails on the pastimage region 32 and the current image region 33 of a second displayscreen 63. For that reason, in the following, in FIGS. 17 and 18 , thesame constituent elements as FIG. 11 will be designated by the samereference signs, and the detailed description of the constituentelements will be omitted.

The past image group 62 constituted of past images 62 a is displayed asa thumbnail list on the past image region 32 of the second displayscreen 61 illustrated in FIG. 17 , and the current image 35 after acurrent image corresponding to a past image at the rearmost end of thepast image group 62 is created is displayed on the current image region33. That is, in a case where an ultrasound image is further capturedafter all the ultrasound images corresponding to the past image group 62are captured, the past image group 62 may be displayed as a thumbnaillist instead of displaying one past image on the past image region 32.

Additionally, in a case where the capturing of the ultrasound image iscompleted, as in a modification example of the present embodimentillustrated in FIG. 18 , the current image group 65 constituted ofcurrent images 65 a that are ultrasound images captured in the currentroutine test may be displayed on the current image region 33 of thesecond display screen 63. In addition, in the current ultrasounddiagnosis, in a case where an ultrasound image is further captured afterall the ultrasound images corresponding to the respective past images ofthe past image group 62 are captured, the ultrasound image may bedisplayed as a thumbnail at the rearmost end of the current image group65. In addition, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 , thepast image region 32 and the current image region 33 are displayedadjacent to each other left and right. However, it is needless to saythat these past and current image regions may be displayed adjacent toeach other up and down as in Embodiment 2 illustrated in FIG. 12 .

As described above, by displaying the past image group 62 correspondingto the current routine test only on the past image region 32 in thesecond display, the operator can check that the currently performedultrasound diagnosis is out of the routine test, and can perform theultrasound diagnosis while checking the past image group 62.Additionally, in a case where the routine test is completed, the pastimage group 62 and the current image group 65 are displayed side by sideon the past image region 32 and the current image region 33.Accordingly, the operator can compare the past image group 62 with thecurrent image group 65 to finally check the plurality of ultrasoundimages captured at this time.

Embodiment 6

In the second display of Embodiments 1 to 4 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and10 to 16 , one past image 34, 45, or 48 that is an ultrasound imagecaptured in a past routine test is displayed on the past image region32, 40, or 43. However, images other than the image of the past routinetest may be displayed on the past image region.

In addition, Embodiment 6 illustrated in FIG. 19 has the sameconfiguration as Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 except that aselected image group 67 selected by the operator is displayed on thepast image region 32 of a second display screen 66. Additionally, amodification example of Embodiment 6 illustrated in FIG. 20 has a pastimage region 69 and a current image region 70 of a second display screen68 and has the same configuration as Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1to 11 except that the past image 34 and a selected image 71 aredisplayed on the past image region 69. For that reason, in thefollowing, in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the same constituent elements as FIG. 11will be designated by the same reference signs, and the detaileddescription of the constituent elements will be omitted.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 19 , the selected image group 67constituted of selected images 67 a selected by the operator isdisplayed on the past image region 32 of the second display screen 66.Although not illustrated, the selected image group 67 is images selectedby the operator via the input unit of the workstation among theplurality of images stored in the workstation-side storage unit.Additionally the selected images 67 a may be medical images, such asendoscopic images, radiological images, and diagnostic images obtainedusing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in addition to the ultrasoundimages, or a plurality of types of medical images may be included in acase where a plurality of selected images are selected. Moreover, theselected images 67 a may be selected at least before the operator startsthe screening test. For example, one or more selected images selected asselected images by the operator after the previous routine test may beselected together with a past image group to be referred to in thecurrent ultrasound diagnosis in the screen of the workstation-sidedisplay unit as illustrated in FIG. 8 . Additionally, for example, inthe screen of the workstation-side display unit as illustrated in FIG. 8, the selected images may be selected by the operator and may beselected together with the past image group to be referred to in thecurrent ultrasound diagnosis.

Meanwhile, there is a case where the operator generates a test reportusing the ultrasound images acquired in the routine test after the endof the routine test. Although not illustrated, the test report may beelectronic data generated using the workstation after the end of theroutine test. In that case, for example, the test report is generated inthe workstation-side control unit, using data, such as text data inputby the operator via the input unit and layout information on images, andthe ultrasound images stored in the workstation-side storage unit, andis stored in the workstation-side storage unit.

In this case, a report generation screen for allowing the operator tocreate the test report may be displayed in the workstation-side displayunit. The ultrasound images attached to the test report generated inthis way may be selected by the operator for each test report as theselected images 67 a illustrated in FIG. 19 . In addition, medicalimages, such as endoscopic images, the radiological images, anddiagnostic images using MRI, which are acquired in the past, in additionto the ultrasound images acquired in the routine test, may be attachedto the test report, and the medical images may be selected as theselected images 67 a for each test report by the operator.

One or more past images selected in this way are displayed on the pastimage region 32 of the second display screen 66 illustrated in FIG. 19after the second display of the respective past images of the pastroutine tests selected together with the selected images is performed.In addition, the selected images displayed on the past image region 32may be sequentially displayed on the past image region 32 in operator'sselection order, using a plurality of images as one set as the selectedimage group 67, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 19 , or theselected images may be sequentially displayed on the past image region32 in operator's selection order one by one. Additionally, although notillustrated, the selected images selected by the operator may bedisplayed as thumbnails in the first display after the rearmost end ofthe past routine tests that are displayed as a thumbnail list. In thatcase, the arrangement order of one or more selected images may be set bythe operator via the input unit of the workstation or may be time-seriesorder in which the respective selected images are created.

Additionally, the selected images may be displayed in association withthe respective past images that constitute the past image group in thepast routine tests. In the example illustrated in FIG. 20 , the seconddisplay screen 68 has the past image region 69 that is an enlargedregion and the current image region 70 that is reduced by the amount ofenlargement of the past image region 69, and the past image 34 and theselected image 71 are displayed adjacent to the past image region 69.Although not illustrated, for example in a case where the selected image71 is selected by the operator via the input unit of the workstationtogether with the past image group of the past routine tests, settingindicating that the second display is performed together with the pastimage 34 may be performed. Additionally, although not illustrated, forexample, the workstation-side display control unit may be controlledsuch that a selected image associated with one past image is subjectedto the second display together with the past image. In that case, in acase where the selected image 71 is selected by the operator via theinput unit of the workstation, setting indicating that the past image 34and the selected image 71 are associated with each other may beperformed. Additionally, although not illustrated, the workstation-sidecontrol unit may be controlled so as to automatically associatediagnostic images of the same part of a past routine test correspondingto the past routine test including the past image 34 with each other.

In addition, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the pastimage region 32 or 69 and the current image region 33 or 70 aredisplayed adjacent to each other left and right. However, it is needlessto say that these past and current image regions may be displayedadjacent to each other up and down as in Embodiment 2 illustrated inFIG. 12 .

Additionally, the selected image may be a moving image. Although notillustrated, the moving image is a moving image saved in the temporarymemory, for example, in a case where the display of thediagnostic-device-side display unit of the ultrasound diagnostic deviceis frozen in a past routine test. Additionally, the moving image may bestored in the workstation-side storage unit via thediagnostic-device-side information transmission unit and theworkstation-side information transmission unit together with ultrasoundimages that include the moving image as still images and are determinedas the saved data. In a case where the moving image is used as theselected image, respective past images may be replaced withcorresponding moving images, respectively. In that case, the movingimages may be sequentially reproduced in a loop in the arrangement orderof the first display in the past image region 32 in the second display.

Additionally, although not illustrated, the selected image may beelement data before image processing, which is output from the receivingcircuit of the ultrasound diagnostic device. In this way, in a casewhere a plurality of types of image data and moving image data areincluded as selected images and the plurality of selected images aresubjected to the first display and sequentially the second displaytogether with a past image group for past routine tests, the arrangementorder and the display order thereof may be set via the input unit or thelike of the workstation. That is, for example, the arrangement order andthe display order of the past image group and the plurality of selectedimages may be time-series order in which the plurality of past imagesconstituting the past image group, and the plurality of selected imagesare created, or may be the order of image types. Here, the order ofimage types is, for example, order in which ordering is performed inaccordance with to the types of images such that, among a plurality oftypes of data, still images are first arranged and displayed, thenmoving images are arranged and displayed, and then element data beforeimage processing are arranged and displayed. Additionally, taginformation (DICOM tags) specified in Digital Imaging and Communicationin Medicine (DICOM) that is a standard, such as a format of medicalimages, is often embedded in medical image data, such as the ultrasoundimages. The DICOM tags, for example, represents diagnosis parts, such asthe carotid artery and the thyroid gland in the ultrasound diagnosis,and ordering may be performed on the DICOM tags and the past image groupand the plurality of selected images may be arranged and displayed onthe basis of that order. The ordering of the DICOM tags may be, forexample, set by the operator via the input unit of the workstation.

As described above, the operator can perform the ultrasound diagnosis bydisplaying the selected image group 67 or the selected images 67 a and71 selected by the operator on the past image regions 32 and 69,referring to images other than the past images. Additionally, theoperator can perform ultrasound diagnosis of other parts that theoperator wants to diagnose, referring to appropriate images, in additionto the ultrasound diagnosis corresponding to the past routine tests.Moreover, in a case where moving images of past routine tests are usedas selected images, the operator can check ultrasound diagnosis in thepast routine tests in detail.

Although the ultrasound diagnostic system related to the embodiment ofthe invention have been described above in detail, it is natural thatthe invention is not limited to the above examples, and variousimprovements and modifications may be made without departing from thescope of the invention. Additionally, the plurality of embodiments andexamples that are shown above can be appropriately used in combination.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES

-   -   1: ultrasound diagnostic system    -   2: ultrasound diagnostic device    -   3: workstation    -   4: array transducer    -   5: transmitting circuit    -   6: receiving circuit    -   7: image creation unit    -   8: temporary memory    -   9: diagnostic-device-side display control unit    -   10: diagnostic-device-side display unit    -   11: saved data determination unit    -   12: diagnostic-device-side information transmission unit    -   13: diagnostic-device-side control unit    -   14: diagnostic-device-side operating unit    -   15: diagnostic-device-side storage unit    -   16: workstation-side information transmission unit    -   17: workstation-side display control unit    -   18: workstation-side display unit    -   19: time setting unit    -   20: workstation-side control unit    -   21: workstation-side storage unit    -   22: input unit    -   23: amplification unit    -   24: AD conversion unit    -   25: signal processing unit    -   26: DSC    -   27: image processing unit    -   28: first display screen    -   29: thumbnail image display region    -   30, 62: past image group    -   30 a, 34, 45, 48, 51, 52, 55, 56, 57, 58, 62 a: past image    -   31, 38, 39, 42, 47, 50, 54, 61, 63, 66, 68: second display        screen    -   32, 40, 43, 69: past image region    -   33, 41, 44, 70: current image region    -   35, 46, 49, 53, 59, 60, 65 a: current image    -   36: information display input region    -   37: list display selection region    -   65: current image group    -   67: selected image group    -   67 a, 71: selected image

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultrasound diagnostic system including anultrasound diagnostic device that transmits an ultrasound beam toward asubject from an array transducer, and receives an ultrasound echo fromthe subject to create an ultrasound image, and a workstation connectedto the ultrasound diagnostic device, the ultrasound diagnostic systemcomprising: a storage unit configured to store a plurality of ultrasoundimages in past diagnosis of a plurality of subjects as past images,wherein the workstation has an input unit for allowing an operator toinput various kinds of information, a workstation-side display unit, anda workstation-side processor configured to control display in theworkstation-side display unit, and wherein, in a case where a routinetest in which a plurality of parts of the subject are sequentiallysubjected to ultrasound diagnosis in accordance with a determinedprocedure is performed and in a case where information on the subject isinput from the input unit, the workstation-side processor is configuredto make the workstation-side display unit perform a first display inwhich a plurality of past images in a past routine test of the subjectstored in the storage unit are displayed as a thumbnail list and thenperform a second display in which one past image and a current imageincluding an ultrasound image newly created in the ultrasound diagnosticdevice with respect to a part corresponding to the one past image aredisplayed side by side on a past image region and a current image regionadjacent to each other, in an arrangement order of the plurality of pastimages displayed as the thumbnail list in the first display, make theworkstation-side display unit display a next past image in thearrangement order of the first display on the past image region in thesecond display after the second display of the current imagecorresponding to the one past image is performed, and make the currentimage region blank until a current image corresponding to the next pastimage is created by the ultrasound diagnostic device and displayed onthe current image region from a time point when the next past image isdisplayed on the past image region.
 2. The ultrasound diagnostic systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the workstation-side processor is furtherconfigured to set a transition time taken until the first display of theworkstation-side display unit transitions to the second display, andmake the display in the workstation-side display unit automaticallytransition from the first display to the second display after elapse ofthe transition time from a time point when the first display isperformed.
 3. The ultrasound diagnostic system according to claim 2,wherein the workstation-side processor is further configured to set aset time input by the operator via the input unit as the transitiontime.
 4. The ultrasound diagnostic system according to claim 2, whereinthe workstation-side processor is further configured to determine thetransition time based on a plurality of the transition times in aplurality of times of past ultrasound diagnosis.
 5. The ultrasounddiagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasounddiagnostic device has an ultrasound diagnostic device-side processorconfigured to set a transition time taken until the first display of theworkstation-side display unit transitions to the second display, andwherein the ultrasound diagnostic device-side processor is furtherconfigured to make the display in the workstation-side display unitautomatically transition from the first display to the second displayafter elapse of the transition time from a time point when the firstdisplay is performed.
 6. The ultrasound diagnostic system according toclaim 5, wherein the ultrasound diagnostic device-side processor isfurther configured to set a set time input by the operator via the inputunit as the transition time.
 7. The ultrasound diagnostic systemaccording to claim 5, wherein the ultrasound diagnostic device-sideprocessor is further configured to determine the transition time basedon a plurality of the transition times in a plurality of times of pastultrasound diagnosis.
 8. The ultrasound diagnostic system according toclaim 1, wherein, in a case where information indicating that thetransition time taken until the first display transitions to the seconddisplay is changed is input by the operator via the input unit, theworkstation-side processor is configured to shorten or extend a timetaken for transition from a time point during the first display to thesecond display in the workstation-side display unit.
 9. The ultrasounddiagnostic system according to claim 2, wherein, in a case whereinformation indicating that the transition time taken until the firstdisplay transitions to the second display is changed is input by theoperator via the input unit, the workstation-side processor is furtherconfigured to shorten or extend a time taken for transition from a timepoint during the first display to the second display in theworkstation-side display unit.
 10. The ultrasound diagnostic systemaccording to claim 4, wherein, in a case where information indicatingthat the transition time taken until the first display transitions tothe second display is changed is input by the operator via the inputunit, the workstation-side processor is configured to shorten or extenda time taken for transition from a time point during the first displayto the second display in the workstation-side display unit.
 11. Theultrasound diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein, in a casewhere information indicating that the second display is made totransition to the first display is input by the operator via the inputunit, the workstation-side processor is further configured to make thesecond display in the workstation-side display unit transition to thefirst display.
 12. The ultrasound diagnostic system according to claim2, wherein, in a case where information indicating that the seconddisplay is made to transition to the first display is input by theoperator via the input unit, the workstation-side processor isconfigured to make the second display in the workstation-side displayunit transition to the first display.
 13. The ultrasound diagnosticsystem according to claim 1, wherein the workstation-side processor isfurther configured to make the workstation-side display unit displaypast images displayed before and after the one past image in thearrangement order of the first display, side by side on both sides ofthe one past image displayed on the past image region in the seconddisplay, so as to be smaller than the one past image.
 14. The ultrasounddiagnostic system according to claim 13, wherein the workstation-sideprocessor is further configured to make the workstation-side displayunit display an ultrasound image created immediately before the currentimage in a current routine test, on one side of the current imagedisplayed on the current image region in the second display incorrespondence with the one past image, so as to be smaller than thecurrent image.
 15. The ultrasound diagnostic system according to claim1, wherein the workstation-side processor is further configured to makethe workstation-side display unit display the past image in the seconddisplay on the past image region so as to be larger than the currentimage displayed on the current image region.
 16. The ultrasounddiagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the workstation-sideprocessor is further configured to make the workstation-side displayunit display the past image region and the current image region in thesecond display adjacent to each other left and right or up and down anddisplay the past image and the current image side by side.
 17. Theultrasound diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein theworkstation-side processor is further configured to make theworkstation-side display unit display the plurality of past images asthe thumbnail list on the past image region and display a plurality ofcurrent images created in a current routine test as a thumbnail list onthe current image region after a last past image in the arrangementorder of the first display and a current image corresponding to the lastpast image are displayed on the past image region and the current imageregion in the second display.
 18. The ultrasound diagnostic systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the workstation-side control unit isfurther configured to make the workstation-side display unit display atleast one or more selected images selected based on informationindicating that images input by the operator via the input unit areselected, as a thumbnail list at a rearmost end of the plurality of pastimages in the arrangement order of the first display, and display theone or more selected images subsequent to the plurality of past imageson the past image region in the second display.
 19. A method ofcontrolling an ultrasound diagnostic system including an ultrasounddiagnostic device that transmits an ultrasound beam toward a subjectfrom an array transducer, and receives an ultrasound echo from thesubject to create an ultrasound image, and a workstation connected tothe ultrasound diagnostic device, the method comprising: storing aplurality of ultrasound images in past diagnosis of a plurality ofsubjects as past images; and in a case where a routine test in which aplurality of parts of the subject are sequentially subjected toultrasound diagnosis in accordance with a determined procedure isperformed, and in a case where information on the subject is input,making a workstation-side display unit of the workstation perform afirst display in which a plurality of past images in a past routine testof the subject that are stored are displayed as a thumbnail list andthen perform a second display in which one past image and a currentimage including an ultrasound image newly created in the ultrasounddiagnostic device with respect to a part corresponding to the one pastimage are displayed side by side on a past image region and a currentimage region adjacent to each other, in an arrangement order of theplurality of past images displayed as the thumbnail list in the firstdisplay, making the workstation-side display unit display a next pastimage in the arrangement order of the first display on the past imageregion in the second display after the second display of the currentimage corresponding to the one past image is performed, and making thecurrent image region blank until a current image corresponding to thenext past image is created by the ultrasound diagnostic device anddisplayed on the current image region from a time point when the nextpast image is displayed on the past image region.